The medical verdict was sobering: "Either do something different or you'll need a shoulder replacement." That's what David Hiltz Jr., a lobsterman out of Deer Isle, Maine, was told last fall.
The culprit is the way Hiltz and most other lobstermen haul back their traps: He grabs the first trap as it comes out of the water with one hand and with the other flips the gangion coming off the main warp out of the block. Haul enough traps over the years and that equals a lot of shoulder strain and pain.
David Hiltz Jr. says the EZ-Block is designed to help save wear and tear on the shoulders of lobstermen when hauling traps. EZ-Block Facebook page photo These days Hiltz's shoulder is feeling much better, thanks to the hauling block he's using on his boat. It's based on a block that's been used in Canada for a number of years, only the adaptation that Hiltz and Rock Wilson at Fuller Machine in Alstead, N.H., came up with is lighter and more affordable.
Called the EZ-Block (also the name of Hiltz and Wilson's new company), it features a wheel with slightly curved teeth that grab the gangion and flips it out of the block. The EZ-Block weighs 30 pounds — versus 56 pounds for the Canadian version — is made of 316 stainless steel and aluminum, and has a snap hook for mounting.
The basic model EZ-Block, originally priced at $600, now sells for $699, whereas the heavier Canadian block costs $800. Also available is an anodized block in black, clear, army green or brown with an engraving, say of your boat's name. Originally priced at $700, it now sells for $759.
EZ-Block is a company that's still in its infancy. The first batch of blocks was released April 12 and sold out. The second batch will be available April 24, but you better get in line because many have already been taken.
Like any start-up outfit, EZ-Block is still getting organized. Yet to come is a website but according to the company, Portland, Maine-based Brooks Trap Mill has just come aboard as the exclusive dealer for EZ-Block, You can also order a block by going to the EZ-Block Facebook page or calling Hiltz at (207) 348-1045.
Hiltz says, "I just want guys to be able to save on their bodies."
